Luhnow comfortable with shortstop depth as roster nears final form

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“We’re going to continue to be opportunistic, but I feel pretty comfortable with the group we have now,” general manager Jeff Luhnow said.

What the roster lacks in star power — a lot, coming off a franchise-worst 106-loss season — it begins to compensate for in depth.

Behind pretty much all of last year’s starters, a backup with big league experience. Behind Carlos Lee at first, Brett Wallace. Jimmy Paredes at third, Chris Johnson. Jose Altuve at second, Matt Downs. Or maybe ahead, rather than behind. That’s the beauty of spring training.

With a presumed starting outfield of J.D. Martinez, Brian Bogusevic and Jordan Schafer or Jason Bourgeois, vets Jack Cust and Travis Buck lay out there looking for spots.

Behind the one position where a newcomer is slated to start opening day, there is little in the way of major league experience. That would be shortstop, where Jed Lowrie was acquired from the Red Sox to fulfill a starting role.

Beyond that, the premium position in the infield will be a battle in spring training, starting with the Astros’ second of two Rule 5 picks, Marwin Gonzalez.

“We’re counting on Lowrie to be the guy,” Luhnow said. “Marwin will get a lot of time in spring training and can also play second and third.”

Luhnow also said that the Astros hope to re-sign Angel Sanchez to a minor league deal after Sanchez was removed from the 40-man roster to make room for Snyder.

Between those two and Brian Bixler, the Astros hope to fill the shortstop position behind Lowrie.

It is difficult to foresee an opening day 25-man roster without a true backup shortstop just given the importance of the position, not to mention Lowrie’s injury history. Gonzalez will have a better shot than most second-round Rule 5 picks have to stick with the club.